ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Celia Dunkelman, President

“Thanks to the many cultural influences in my life, and the many people who have shared their wisdom and experiences with me, I am living proof of the universal message of music.”

I began performing music professionally at the age of nine. A succession of television and concert appearances attracted the attention of the Japanese Consulate-General in Sumatra, which led to a Yamaha Foundation sponsorship to study in Japan. I subsequently joined the faculty of Tokyo Music & Media Arts Shobi, and after teaching for 19 years, left to concentrate on my career as an Electone and 15-string koto performer and composer.

In 1997 I established Purity Co., Ltd., which produced my four albums “Purity,” “Sei Shou Ten: Purity, Honesty and Hope,” “Klila Bracha” and “Itsukushimi.” My charity work over many years led to the establishment of the “Celia Circle” to foster ever greater friendship among Japan, Israel and Indonesia. In 2001 I published my biography “Kono Toki O Ikiru (Seize the Moment!),” and in 2007 “My Most Cherished Memories: The Bonds of Friendship between Japan and Indonesia.”

Creator of the “Ethnic Fusion” music genre, I work closely with students, in addition to composing, arranging and performing around the world.

Jay Dunkelman, President

“There is a future in everything; you just need to live long enough.”

When I arrived in Japan in 1977 as an assistant English instructor for Princeton-in-Asia, I expected to stay six months to a year. Instead, I fell in love with the country, began my career, married and had three children.

I have extensive experience as a Web Content Consultant, and in 1997 established Purity Co, Ltd., which provides online proofreading and translation (Japanese to English), copywriting and editing solutions for every business need: from letters, newsletters, product brochures, catalogue, promotional videos and presentations to web based projects.

For the past forty years I have also been involved in foreign language (EFL) teaching, syllabus design and curriculum development services in the field of education.

Japanese culture has always fascinated me, and early on I developed an interest in Kabuki and other forms of traditional theater, working for several years at the Kabuki-za as a Kabuki earphone commentator. I have also practiced Aikido for over four decades, hold a seventh degree black belt, and am currently an instructor at Kuwamori Dojo in Tokyo.

Demonstration in honor of Mito Sensei